Early Book Review: The Branch by Mireille Messier, Pierre Pratt

The Branch is a picturebook written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Pierre Pratt. It is currently scheduled for release on September 6 2016. When an ice storm snaps a small girl's favorite branch from the tree in her yard, she's crestfallen. The girl's mom says it's just a branch. But not to her! “That was the branch I sat on, jumped from, played under. It was my castle, my spy base, my ship.” Luckily, her neighbor Mr. Frank understands. He says the branch has “potential.” And so, with imagination and spirit, and Mr. Frank's guidance and tools, the girl transforms the broken branch into something whole and new, giving it another purpose, and her another place to treasure.

The Branch is a beautifully illustrated picturebook that inspires creativity and looking for solutions rather than dwelling on the bad things in life. The young girl used the now broken branch to climb and sit in the tree, it was her special perch. Without it she is at a loss. The neighborhood is working together to clean up after the storm, and her neighbor takes notice of her distress and works with her to find a solution. I like that the little girl takes part in the solution, learning how to use tools and help create a new use for the branch rather than the older gentleman just doing the project on his own. I loved the spirit of  people working together, for no other reason than to be helpful and kind. This is a beautiful lesson that not only encourages a feeling of community, but also encouraging creativity, ingenuity, and hard work.

Early Book Review: Natural Hair Coloring: How to Use Henna and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical-Free Beauty by Christine Shahin Wood

Natural Hair Coloring: How to Use Henna and Other Pure Herbal Pigments for Chemical-Free Beauty by Christine Shahin Wood is currently scheduled for release on May 17 2016. This book shows readers that they do not need to choose between ditching boxed dyes and dying your hair. Natural hair care expert Christine Shahin shows readers how they can use nontoxic natural plant pigments;henna, indigo, amla, and cassia to color hair naturally.  There are clearly written instructions and step-by-step photography, along with comprehensive information and details about each of the ingredients and processes used in the book. Shahin shows you exactly how to apply these pigments, alone or in combinations, to achieve a full range of shades of brown, black, and red. She also includes instructions for transitioning from chemical dyes to natural ones and for using chemical and natural dyes together.

Natural Hair Coloring is a detailed resource for anyone that really want to give up boxed or salon dyes, or someone that wants to change up their hair color without starting to use them. The information includes details about hair health, the ingredients she uses in her recipes, and how readers can create their own recipes and proportions depending on the results they want and the health of their hair. I think the fact that she includes specifics for every hair type, color, and ethnicity makes this a resource for individuals, library collections, and those that want to help others ditch the chemical treatments. The fact that the ingredients and tools that she uses are fairly easy to get a hold of makes everything even better. Now I have to explore and experiment a bit more on my own hair- I sense several purchases in my near future.

Natural Hair Coloring is a detailed and comprehensive resource for anyone looking to try all natural coloring. It is not for everyone since it is time consuming, but for those interested in making the jump this book would be a great introduction or clarification for any questions or difficulties.  

Early Book Review: Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies by Judith Durant, Edie Eckman

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Projects for Infants & Toddlers is a nonfiction book that is currently scheduled for release on May 3 2016. This book collects one hundred and one patterns that use one skein of yarn or less. Projects include Hats and caps, bootees and socks, mitts, dresses, tops and bottoms as well as blankets, bibs, soft toys, bottle cozies, diaper bags, and more. Most of the patterns are accessible to crocheters of all skill levels, although there are some stitches and patterns that will keep more experienced crafters thinking as they work as well. A nice collection for crocheters that are looking for small projects and cute gifts to make.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies is a nicely organized and varied collection of crochet patterns for young recipients. Single skein projects are great for keeping in the car, working on while traveling, or for stash busting. I will admit to using these projects for all three. The patterns are interesting enough for all crocheters, with plenty that can be done by all skill levels. These are all original patterns were contributed by 54 designers from around the world. Each project comes with complete instructions, charts, schematics, and beautiful photographs so that no matter how you like to work (I like following a pattern while the charts only confuse my many times) you can complete a perfect project. Particular favorite patterns of mine from the book are the April Showers Cape, Dad and Me Necktie, and the Kitty Kat Lovey.

I would recommend Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies for crocheters that love crafting for the little ones, and will get much use from these patterns.  

Book Review: Crochet Mandalas by Marinke Slump, Anita Mundt

Crochet Mandalas by Marinke Slump and Anita Mundt is a collection of 20 original patterns based on a mandala motif. The projects include homewares; like a table cover, coasters, rug, and cushion, along with a vest, shrug, and other wearable art. Each pattern is charted and accompanied by full color photographs of the finished product. Instructions include lists of supplies and abbreviations, plus explanations of special stitches and gauge. Skill levels range from simple to advanced, providing an exciting array of possibilities for novices as well as experienced crocheters.

Crochet Mandalas is a well organized collection of projects with clear instructions, patterns, and vibrant photographs. There were a number of helpful explanations and charts that would help less experienced crafters master the skills and have successful finished projects. While retro is in, again, I have to say that I found that some of the projects felt dated and there were only three that I would want to actually try. Sadly those three are ones that I have seen similar finished products and instructions for previously. I think the book is a good option for those that want to make this particular style or set of projects, but it is not one that I would recommend to every crochet fan out there. 

Early Book Review: Outdoor Math: Fun Activities for Every Season by Emma AdBage

Outdoor Math: Fun Activities for Every Season by Emma AdBage is a book that helps parents, teachers, and children to find ways to get outside and do some math at the same time. It is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2016. The book includes twenty-two outdoor activities, organized by season. With these activities, children will learn about numeracy and arithmetic, as well as math concepts such as shapes, time, greater/less than, even and odd numbers, patterns and grids. The activities have simple-to-follow instructions and are accompanied by adorable illustrations that provide clear visual demonstrations. The natural materials required (stones, pinecones, snowballs, worms) are easy to find in many environments. Supplementary spreads introduce the numbers 1 to 10 and further explore addition/subtraction and multiplication/division, with simplified explanations and illustrated examples. There are also science lessons here, regarding the properties of nature and how things change during the four seasons. Many of the activities can be done in pairs or groups, promoting teamwork and cooperation. A list of activities in the back matter indexes the activities and categorizes them by the math skills they develop.

Outdoor Math is full of pictures and detailed instructions and suggestions for engaging children in games that can help solidify math concepts. There are some very simple games and activities for the youngest learners such as working with shapes, there were more advanced activities that included multiplication and division. I think some of the games and pictures seemed a little dated to me, like the guides my teachers and parents had when I was a kid, the ideas are still sound and would be engaging for the right children. I did like that there was a good variety of games to chose from, and some for every season. It is a useful book, one that would be a good resource to have on hand or for checking out of the library and making copies of the activities you are most likely to implement with your own children or the group you work with or care for.

Outdoor Math is a great resource for parents and teachers to have at their disposal. Using these activities they can help teach or reinforce math lesson, all while having the children playing outside and active. A win-win as far as I am concerned. 

Book Review: Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi

Baby Crochet Design: Hats and Boots by Graziana Materassi that offers patterns matching caps and booties range in style from cute little animal motifs to fruit and flower-adorned costumes. Sixteen unique crochet patterns feature complete instructions for hats and booties, accompanied by full-color illustrations. A pretty pink piglet, wide-eyed owl, busy bee, sweet strawberry, and a tropical pineapple are but a few of the playful designs. The hat patterns can be adapted to accommodate the heads of older children as well.

Baby Crochet Design is a useful resource for those looking to make a variety of fun hats and matching booties for babies and young children. The owl and fruit hats were very cute, but I have to say that there were new designs that seemed fresh and new to me. They are ll worth making and learning the patterns for, but I did not find them overly special. Unfortunately there were also some minor formatting issues with the digital galley I received, which I havre to assume were fixed before the final version was released. There was nothing lacking or wrong with the patterns, my only problem was that I frequent several craft stores and craft communities and have seen similar patterns over the years.

Baby Crochet Design is a good resource for those looking to make a variety of baby hats and matching booties. I did not find the designs included to be anything new or previously unavailable, but they were cute.

Early Book Review: Naturally Bug-Free by Stephanie L. Tourles

Naturally Bug-Free: 75 Nontoxic Recipes for Repelling Mosquitoes, Ticks, Fleas, Ants, Moths & Other Pesky Insects by Stephanie L. Tourles is currently scheduled for release on February 23 2016. This book is a resource that offers the information you can use to protect yourself, your children, your pets, and your home from bugs without using store bought chemicals. There are 75 simple recipes for safe, effective bug repellents you can make at home from all-natural ingredients. The recipes can offer protection from mosquitos, ticks, and other biting insects. There are also recipes for pets, such as herbal shampoo, bedding formulas, and flea-and-tick collars and powders. The book also includes repellents for the home, such as sachets that repel moths, carpet powders that repel fleas and ants, and essential oil repellents to keep your pantry pest-free. A detailed ingredient dictionary explains the properties of all the herbs, essential oils, and other key ingredients.

Naturally Bug-Free is a wonderful resource for readers that want to explore natural avenues in home and health care. the book goes into great detail about the why and how anyone can go about using all natural recipes. There are concise and informative descriptions about each possible ingredient, tool, and storage container that you might use. There are recipes sprays, balms, body oils, and tinctures, with scents ranging from eucalyptus to floral, lemon, vanilla, and woodsy spice. I like the level of detail and information included, as well as the variety of recipes. While I tend to stick to the most gentle sprays, there is something for everyone willing to take the leap into natural repellents. The inclusion of personal insect repellents, as well as those for pets, homes, and prevention really make this a resource that can be utilized by all skill and interest levels. All of the information included is important, some of it necessary reminders for those that might think themselves already experienced or highly knowledgeable on the subject.

Naturally Bug-Free is a useful and highly informative resource for anyone looking the defend themselves, their family, their pets, or their homes from pests without using harsh chemicals that might cause damage to the environment (or themselves). This would be a great addition to home or library collections. 

Early Book Review: Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola

Pure Soapmaking: How to Create Nourishing Natural Skin-Care Soaps by Anne-Marie Faiola is a currently scheduled for release on February 9 2016. This is a great starter and instruction guide that explains the benefits and details of making your own cold process soaps. The book offers complete instructions, including the science and safety precautions needed. There are 32 recipes that range from simple castile bars to intricate swirls, embeds, and marbled and layered looks. There are photographs that guide you through the step-by-step instructions of cold-process soapmaking.

Pure Soapmaking is a well written and thoughtful instructional guide to the craft of making soaps. I find the idea of making cold-process soaps more than a little intimidating. However, I very much like knowing exactly what is in my skin care products- and those my children use. In this, the idea of crafting my own custom soaps is intriguing and desirable. I found the photography and text came together in a way that makes the process much less intimidating and much better understood. I think this is a much read for those just starting out in cold-process soap making and a handy resource to keep around and use for recipes and information even after feeling like you have mastered the basics. 

Pure Soapmaking is a wonderful and detailed guide to making your own soaps.  I have made my own soaps in the past, but never tried cold process soaps, since I find the use of lye more than a little intimidating. However, this book with its instructions and encouragement might help me make the leap. 

Book Review:Susan B. Anderson's Kids’ Knitting Workshop The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Learn to Knit! by Susan B. Anderson

Susan B. Anderson's Kids’ Knitting Workshop: The Easiest and Most Effective Way to Learn to Knit! by Susan B. Anderson is a great introduction to knitting for children, and adults new to the craft. This  introduction to knitting in the round includes easy-to-follow illustrated tutorials on techniques from casting on and binding off to joining colors to make stripes, and 17 progressively challenging knitting projects. The projects begin with simple infinity scarves and hats and build up to toys and decor. Step-by-step text and photographs that kids can read and follow on their own mean they will be knitting independently in no time.

Susan B. Anderson's Kids’ Knitting Workshop is a well organized and helpful tutorial for beginning knitters. The book is targeted to children and young adults, with projects that are focused on their demographics. However, as an experience crocheter with only a nominal knowledge of knitting I found the guide to be extremely helpful. While aimed at the younger set, I think adult knitters could use the information and tutorials to master the skill as well. I wish I had this book handy this first time I attempted to knit. With this guide I think I can make great strides in my skill set. I already feel more comfortable with the skill set, and think that anyone interested in doing the same could benefit from the book as well. I think kids and adults alike will find the guide well organized and helpful. The photographs, illustrations, and information combine to make the book readable and easily understood by all skill levels. The chapter on stocking your toolbox and sourcing yarn; as well as the advice on starting a knitting group and connecting with local knitting communities, charity knitting, and more was a nice bonus.

Susan B. Anderson's Kids’ Knitting Workshop is a helpful and very informative resource for children (and adults) that want to master knitting.  

Book Review: Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland

Modular Crochet: The Revolutionary Method for Creating Custom-Designed Pullovers by Judith Copeland is a reprint of a crochet book from 1978. This book shows basic crachet technigues with plenty of detailed photographs to demonstrate how to crochet clothing using modular crochet techniques. The garments are worked in the same basic shape, which consists of eight modules, or rectangles. Yarn, color, size, and stitches used can turn the basic format into a variety of finished projects.

Modular Crochet is a technique that I have never really used, having taught myself to crochet via internet instructions and a few fantastic books while I was pregnant with my oldest child (who is just shy of 9). The idea is sound, and has been around for awhile, since this is a republication. I have to admit that I am intrigued and might be testing out the method when I finish up my current project. The technique is described well, and the photographs used do a good job of illustrating the technique. However, I will admit that I found the book to be dated, which is not completely unexpected. I think anyone that has the basic crochet stitches mastered, but is still intimidated by patterns and clothing could use this book to help master freeform or improvisational crochet. Not a bad guide, but definitely dated, although I guess we could just call it retro?

Modular Crochet is a well done guide, and would be useful to those wanting to try making clothing without using a prewritten pattern. The diagrams, instructions, and photographs work together to explain everything very well. My only complaint is that the book does not seem to be updated from the 1978 version in this publication.

Book Review: Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree by Edie Eckman

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree  by Edie Eckman is a helpful pattern collect for Christmas crochet projects. The projects include Christmas stockings, ornaments, and more. Beginners and experienced crocheters will get a lot out of the useful technique tutorials and will want to jump right in and start one of these twenty projects. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a collection of projects that would be great for decorating you home for the holiday, or for giving away as gifts. Projects include a variety of stockings, ornaments and garland for trees, small tabletop trees, and embellishments for pillows and walls. I found the patterns to be easily understood and includes both the written pattern and a symbol chart. Each is also labeled with the recommended skill level, so crafters can decide what they want to complete. I was also very happy to see a variety pf stick techniques used, some of which add a special texture or look than the more ordinary crafts. 

Christmas Crochet for Hearth, Home & Tree is a well organized book, with very detailed patterns to help even the less experienced crafters successfully complete the projects. This is a solid resource for crocheters looking for holiday craft ideas.

Early Book Review: Excavate! Dinosaurs by Jon Tennant

Excavate! Dinosaurs by Jon Tennant is a non fiction book for dinosaur fans seven and up that is currently scheduled for release on October 21 2014. Paleontologist Jon Tennant uses fun text and colorful illustrations explains the anatomy, habitat, and diet of 12 dinosaurs from the Cretaceous, Jurassic, and Triassic eras. The book includes pop-out pieces of their skeletons for kids to assemble into stand-up paper models. The challenge lies in the fact that the pieces are mixed up! Before the puzzles can be completed, kids must apply their new knowledge about the dinosaurs to figure out which pieces go together. 

Excavate! Dinosaurs is a well organized and interesting book for dinosaurs of all ages. The illustrations and short paragraphs of information come together well to interest and educate readers. The detailed information, organized by someone in the field, made for interesting reading that might inspire further research and interest in the field of paleontology. Since I read a digital copy I did not have the chance to test my skills in putting together the mixed up pieces of model dinosaur bones, or test out their durability. I think that my son would love this activity, as long os the pieces are sturdy but flexible enough. 

Excavate! Dinosaurs is a book that would be a good gift or addition to the home library for any child that is interested in dinosaurs. The information is well organized and offered small sections to keep the interest of readers without overwhelming them. 

Book Review: Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker

Little One-Yard Wonders: Irresistible Clothes, Toys, and Accessories You Can Make for Babies and Kids by Patricia Hoskins and Rebecca Yaker is a wonderful spiral bound book with patterns that are easy to understand and follow. Each project uses one yard (or less) of fabric. Some are so simple that they only take a few hours to complete. There are step-by-step illustrated instructions, beautiful close-up photographs, and pattern pieces included in a bound-in envelope make it easy and fun to create all kinds of adorable items.  My favorite patterns were the Pajama Monster and Little Stuffie, Monster Towel, Booster Chair, and the Insulated lunch bag. Some were very functional and money saving ideas, while others are just great fun for the maker and the little one that it could be gifted to. I plan and making more than a few of the projects in this book.

Little One-Yard Wonders is a well organized and useable resources. So often I look at pattern books and find only a couple worth while patterns while the rest are either incomprehensible or completely unwanted.  This volume had a good number of patterns that I was eager to get started on, and no patterns that left me wondering 'why anyone would want to make that'? The Secret Monster Overalls and the wearable towels are something that I can see any toddler thrilled to have, and the variety and inspiration in this book made me very happy. There are clothes, accessories, toys, and furnishings for little ones from newborn to elementary-school age. The categories and projects were set up logically and the instructions are easy to understand and put into action.

I would recommend Little One-Yard Wonders to anyone that sews. Readers that enjoy making items for children, babies, nursery sets, and so on will find something here that makes the book worth adding to their collection.

Book Review: The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener: How to Grow Food in Harmony with Nature by Tammi Hartung

The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener: How to Grow Food in Harmony with Nature by Tammi Hartung is a book that can help nature lovers understand how to make their yard and garden friendly to the wildlife around them while still maintaining a vegetable crop of their own. Co-existence

between man, animals, and the insect world is the goal here, and the book offers some great suggestions for working with nature rather than trying to tame it and trying to force it to fit our vision.

The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener works to foster understanding and supports working with the surrounding environment instead of continually fighting it. The goal here is to reap a larger harvest with much less stress and effort. Solutions begin with a hardy and healthy garden, creating beneficial relationships through smart planting, attracting helpful insects and pollinators, intentionally creating habitats for wildlife, and much more. My only issue with the book is that most of the idea and issue dealt with are aimed at individuals with large amounts of land. Even mentions of 'smaller' gardening spaces dealt with spaces much larger than what my suburban home offers, however I do know people just a quarter mile away that could make great use of the information. I enjoyed reading about the efforts to work with rather than against nature and despite my very small gardening spaces, there was some information that I fully intend to put to good use this spring.

The Wildlife-Friendly Vegetable Gardener is a wonderful resource to gardeners that have large plots of land and/or have issues with wildlife taking more than they would like of their harvest. Offered solutions are simple and mindful or the greater good and environment.

Book Review: Lace One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects Celebrating the Possibilities of Lace Edited by Judith Durant

Lace One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects Celebrating the Possibilities of Lace edited by Judith Durant is a collection of well explained lacy patterns for every knitter. I know I am always picking up a new yarn or color with no particular plan or pattern in mind. Books like this help me put each and every one of those skeins to use. The book offers 12 hat and cap patterns, 9 mitten, glove, and cuff patterns, 7 sock patterns, 11 baby wear patterns, 2 blanket patterns, 2 toy patterns, 19 scarf patterns, 9 cowl patterns, 15 shawl and stole patterns, 8 miscellaneous lacy accessories, and 7 miscellaneous home accessories. While all of the patterns are knit using a lacy pattern, a variety of yarn weights are used.

Lace One-Skein Wonders is broken up into sections that include; head to toe( has things for heads, hands and feet), knits for kids (baby wear), it's a wrap (scarves, cowls, shawls, wraps) and accessories(bags, headbands, etc), and for the home( pillows, bath sets, cozies). There is an appendix showing diagrams on many techniques and helpful information about certain stitching as well as simple, but important, notes and tips from the author  between the chapters. Knitters that are looking to liven things up with a lacy pattern, or just looking to expand their knowledge base, will find something worthwhile here.

I would recommend Lace One-Skein Wonder to readers that enjoy knitting, always looking for a new project, and have single skeins of yarn they want to make into something beautiful. While none of the patterns are geared towards men (as you might expect), there is a variety of lace patterns here that offers something for just about every kind of knitter.